This is the Helko Werk Waxed Canvas Cowboy Bedroll, it’s a classically designed bedroll made in the USA from 16 ounce heavy-duty beeswax-finished cotton canvas, with full-grain leather straps, and solid brass hardware.
Cowboy bedrolls like this were used extensively by early outdoorsmen, and the design and construction of this one was carefully done to ensure that it was highly functional, as well as true to the original heritage designs from the 1800s.
Cowboy bedrolls like this were used extensively by early outdoorsmen, and the design and construction of this one was carefully done to ensure that it was highly functional as well as true to the original heritage designs from the 1800s.
History Speedrun: Helko Werk
Helko Werk can trace its origins all the way back to 1844, when August Helsper founded a toolmaking forge in Cronenberg, Germany – an area already well-known for its fine steelwork.
Originally operating as August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik, the company specialized in axes, hatchets, and forestry tools during the industrial rise of the Rhineland. In the early 20th century, Helko merged with another local toolmaker, Kotthaus, forming “Helko,” a portmanteau name derived from combining “Helsper” and “Kotthaus.” The company became known for forged steel axes used by loggers, carpenters, and foresters across Europe.
Throughout the 20th century Helko Werk refined its processes around traditional German hand-guided drop forging paired with some more modern precision techniques. Each axe head was forged from high-carbon steel using open dies, hand-ground, oil-quenched, and tempered to around 53 to 56 HRC. Handles were shaped from Grade-A American hickory – a wood prized for its strength and shock absorption – and hand-fitted for balance and feel.
The result of all this was a reputation for exceptional durability, longevity, and performance that earned the brand international recognition – recognition that continues through to the modern day.
Helko Werk is now one of the oldest German axe manufacturers still operating, its product range includes handmade axes, splitting tools, and outdoor equipment, many finished in small batches with attention to classic craftsmanship and techniques.
The 1844 Helko Werk Waxed Canvas Bedroll
The 1844 Helko Werk Waxed Canvas Bedroll is made in the United States from 16 ounce heavy-duty beeswax-finished cotton canvas, paired with full-grain leather straps and solid brass hardware throughout. It has dual zippers for full-length access and it measures in at 80 inches by 40 inches, weighing about 6.5 lbs.
The 1844 Helko Werk Waxed Canvas Bedroll is made in the United States from 16 ounce heavy-duty beeswax-finished cotton canvas, paired with full-grain leather straps and solid brass hardware throughout.
The design of this bedroll was carefully chosen to match early 20th-century cowboy and frontier gear, bringing that heritage aesthetic into the 21st century. It can be used open as a ground cover or zipped up into a waterproof cover that you can sleep inside with your sleeping bag or blanket.
It can be wiped clean with a damp cloth when needed, and if it requires a wash the beeswax waterproofing can be reapplied to ensure it remains highly water resistant. The bedroll is now available on the official Helko Werk Amazon store here, and it comes in a number of colorways.
Images courtesy of Helko Werk
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